🔗 Share this article Man confesses to sexual offenses against young males at summer camp The accused admitted 17 offences at the judicial center on recently A person who laced sweets with sleeping medication and provided them to children at a youth camp in the area has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against two boys who were nine and 10. Jon Ruben was arrested after eight youngsters and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer. The senior citizen, from that region, confessed to a series of 17 offences when he stood at Leicester Crown Court on Friday. However, he denied one particular crime he was accused of, which was against a nine-year-old child. The defendant was kept in jail before a subsequent court date on late November. 'Sweet game' Mary Prior KC, handling the case, detailed the defendant's actions to the legal proceedings. She said his victims were disadvantaged youngsters who were attending a summer camp which he operated. The defendant engaged in a "candy game" with the children, the prosecutor explained, in which he would enter the children's bedrooms when they were getting ready for bed and request they to eat sweets "as quickly as they can". She told the court the man had conducted this practice with the children "repeatedly", and children had previously become sick the following morning. She explained the man had been able to explain this for many years as the youngsters being "overstimulated by activities", until his family member had suspicions in July 2025. Mrs Prior KC stated further: "This year his stepson had concerns about the activities, for good reason. "They resolved" to examine in the man's possessions." The legal counsel said items including infant oil, ointment and medical needles were located, and his family member contacted the authorities about his suspicions. She stated the man went on to engage in the "treat game" with six youngsters that time - Saturday 26 July - and they were everyone unwell the next day. "The police had not arrived by that stage," she stated further. The regulatory agency, the investigative body, previously told that it was investigating the police response of the events. The prosecutor explained the children were unable to walk properly due to their condition, so the stepson notified the law enforcement a second time. She explained the man then conducted the "treat game" in a area of five minors.